PhD Position: Novel clinical biomarkers for Alzheimer’s and other degenerative disorders

Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatric

The Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) conducts world leading research in aging, dementia, epidemiology and care sciences. This research extends from basic molecular and cell levels to clinical research and societal studies. NVS educates almost a third of KI students at basic and advanced levels. The Department has approximately 540 employees and a revenue 2023 of 530 million SEK. It comprises seven divisions, located at Campus Flemingsberg and Campus Solna.

The Division of Clinical Geriatric, with over 100 employed and affiliated researchers are located both in Neo, Campus Flemingsberg and in the Q-building in Solna. We conduct research focusing on cognitive impairment, dementia, and other aging related disorders, and education, among other medical graduates. Our research is multi-faceted and is in close collaboration with leading institutions and clinics worldwide. The research is clinically oriented with an emphasis on diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The division has a close cooperation with the Medical Unit Aging within Theme Inflammation and Aging at Karolinska University Hospital.

Do you want to contribute to better health for all?

To be a doctoral student means to devote oneself to a research project under supervision of experienced researchers and following an individual study plan. For a doctoral degree, the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education is required.

The research group

The PhD position is for lab (experimental) based research and the student will be working under the supervision of Dr. Amit Kumar in the research group of Associate Professor Taher Darreh-Shori. The research group has a multidisciplinary approach ranging from basic to translational aspects using a diverse battery of methodologies. We aim to explore the complex pathophysiological features of neurodegenerative diseases, with a strong focus on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) but also other neurodegenerative disorders to gain a deeper understanding of disease pathogenesis/trajectory and to develop novel diagnostic markers and drug targets for early intervention in disease pathophysiology.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We are inviting applications for the position of PhD student in translational research with a strong focus on understanding the role of different pathological hallmarks (Amyloid, Tau, astrocytes, microglia, synaptic loss, and other biomarkers) in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative disorders. The student will be working on a recently funded KID project aimed at understanding the role of neuroinflammation and synaptic loss in Alzheimer’s disease and other proteinopathies with novel PET imaging biomarkers/tracers. Please see the following KI press releases of our recent publications to get a broad overview of the project:

1)       https://news.ki.se/possible-new-pet-tracer-for-early-detection-of-alzheimers

2)       https://news.ki.se/progress-in-spotting-early-signs-of-alzheimers-disease

3)       https://news.ki.se/new-study-sheds-light-on-progressive-supranuclear-palsy

The duties will involve day-to-day lab work, ordering of lab chemicals and helping other members in the group with lab organization, compilation of data and manuscripts writing for publication, participating, and presenting progress updates in internal group meetings, division’s PhD/Postdoc seminars and journal club and at national/international conferences when required.

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment full of expertise and curiosity. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. As a doctoral student you are offered an individual research project, a well-educated supervisor, a vast range of elective courses and the opportunity to work in a leading research group. Karolinska Institutet collaborates with prominent universities from all around the world, which ensures opportunities for international exchanges. You will be employed on a doctoral studentship which means that you receive a contractual salary. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Eligibility requirements for doctoral education

In order to participate in the selection for a doctoral position, you must meet the following general (A) and specific (B) eligibility requirements at latest by the application deadline.

It is your responsibility to certify eligibility by following the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

A) General eligibility requirement

You meet the general eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

1. have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or

2. have satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the advanced/second-cycle/master level, or

3. have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.*

Follow the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

*If you claim equivalent knowledge, follow the instructions on the web page Assessing equivalent knowledge for general eligibility for doctoral education.

B) Specific eligibility requirement

You meet the specific eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

- Show proficiency in English equivalent to the course English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school.

Follow the instructions on the web page English language requirements for doctoral education.

Verification of your documents Karolinska Institutet checks the authenticity of your documents. Karolinska Institutet reserves the right to revoke admission if supporting documents are discovered to be fraudulent. Submission of false documents is a violation of Swedish law and is considered grounds for legal action.

(A) and (B) can only be certified by the documentation requirement for doctoral education.

Skills and personal qualities

We are looking for someone with a strong background in Protein biochemistry/Neuroscience/translational studies with research and lab experience in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders as well as hand-on expertise in protein biochemistry, radioligand binding assays, Western blot analyses including quantification (LICOR system), immunohisto- and fluorescence chemistry (IH/IF), confocal and electron microscopy and other biochemical techniques. Experience in data management software (Prism, GraphPad, Excel) and statistics is needed. Experience in working with postmortem human brain tissues, radioactive ligands, and brain organoids is desirable but not needed.  The candidate should be self-motivated with a solid research interest in the neurodegenerative field, and able to work independently as well as a good team player with excellent communication skills in English (written and verbal). The candidate should be proactive, highly organized, reliable, detail-oriented, and collaborative. Experience of working in international research laboratories and good publications record are appreciated.

Terms and conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

Application process

Submit your application and supporting documents through the Varbi recruitment system. Use the button in the top right corner and follow the instructions. We prefer that your application is written in English, but you can also apply in Swedish.

Your application must contain the following documents:

- A personal letter and a curriculum vitae
- Degree projects and previous publications, if any
- Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above
- Documents certifying your general eligibility (see A above)
- Documents certifying your specific eligibility (see B above)

Selection

A selection will be made among eligible applicants on the basis of the ability to benefit from doctoral education. The qualifications of the applicants will be evaluated on an overall basis.

Karolinska Institutet uses the following bases of assessment:

- Documented subject knowledge of relevance to the area of research
- Analytical skill
- Other documented knowledge or experience that may be relevant to doctoral studies in the subject.

All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all

The Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) conducts world leading research in aging, dementia, epidemiology and care sciences. This research extends from basic molecular and cell levels to clinical research and societal studies. NVS educates almost a third of KI students at basic and advanced levels. The Department has approximately 540 employees and a revenue 2023 of 530 million SEK. It comprises seven divisions, located at Campus Flemingsberg and Campus Solna.

The Division of Clinical Geriatric, with over 100 employed and affiliated researchers are located both in Neo, Campus Flemingsberg and in the Q-building in Solna. We conduct research focusing on cognitive impairment, dementia, and other aging related disorders, and education, among other medical graduates. Our research is multi-faceted and is in close collaboration with leading institutions and clinics worldwide. The research is clinically oriented with an emphasis on diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The division has a close cooperation with the Medical Unit Aging within Theme Inflammation and Aging at Karolinska University Hospital.